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2w ago

RFK Jr. Says He Ordered CDC to Weaken Vaccine–Autism Guidance

The move departs from decades of research, alarming public‑health leaders over vaccine confidence.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. on Sept. 04, 2025 in Washington, D.C.
FILE - Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks during a news conference on the Autism report by the CDC at the Hubert Humphrey Building Auditorium in Washington, April 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file)
WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 17: Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) delivers closing remarks during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on September 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. The committee is hearing testimony from fired CDC employees and the implications on children’s health. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The CDC’s updated webpage now claims the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence‑based, asserts supportive studies were ignored, and notes HHS has launched a comprehensive assessment of autism causes.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told the New York Times he personally directed the change, acknowledging large studies show no link for MMR or thimerosal but arguing gaps remain for infant vaccine schedules.
  • The longstanding header “Vaccines do not cause autism” remains only with an asterisk citing an agreement with Sen. Bill Cassidy, who publicly rejected the revision and said the claim that vaccines cause autism is wrong and harmful.
  • Current and former CDC officials say the edit bypassed normal scientific clearance, with career staff reporting they were blindsided by the move.
  • Major medical and autism organizations reaffirm extensive evidence finding no causal link between vaccines and autism and warn the new messaging could erode uptake and risk outbreaks of preventable diseases.